Consumers have been warned by the Lagos State government against buying some poisonous cow hide, more popularly known as ponmo, being sold in some mar
Consumers have been warned by the Lagos State government against buying some poisonous cow hide, more popularly known as ponmo, being sold in some markets in the state.
According to a statement by Adeola Salako, director of public affairs, Lagos ministry of health, three persons involved in the sale of the poisonous ‘ponmo’ in Ojo and Iba local government areas of the state have been arrested and charged to court. Also large quantities of it have equally been confiscated with samples sent to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to test their suitability for consumption.
While reviewing the report of preliminary investigation and enforcement carried out on the sale of the toxic ponmo in the areas, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris stated that, “Preliminary investigations and suspects tracing revealed that the traders were very active in the early hours between the hours 4.00am and 6.00am at various locations such as Volkswagen bus stop, iyana iba, Afolabi Ege Markets, all within Ojo local government and Iba local council areas of the State.”
“Furthermore, a company said to be located at ijedodo area of Iba LCDA was indicted as source of supply of this toxic Ponmo and has subsequently been put under surveillance.”
Salako called on the public to be vigilant and report any sales of unwholesome foods and food products to environmental health officer in their nearest local government or to the ministry of health.
